how white should my teeth be

DIY TOOTHPASTE AND POWER WITH BENTONITE CLAY AND ESENTIAL OILS

There are plenty of all-natural toothpaste options available, but they can be expensive! My Homemade Toothpaste Recipe with Essential Oils provides a toxin-free way to freshen your breath. Our family loves using this tooth powder to maintain a healthy, clean mouth.

This recipe includes bentonite clay, known for its detoxifying properties. With a touch of stevia for sweetness and essential oils for flavor, this toothpaste tastes amazing!

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH

Oral health plays a vital role in overall wellness, and problems in the mouth can affect the entire body. Oral issues go far beyond cavities and bad breath—over 80% of disease symptoms stem from mouth problems. Gum disease, for example, increases the risk of heart disease (1), and there is even a connection between mouth bacteria and thickened arteries (2).

Unfortunately, many people face disease-promoting dental procedures because they don’t prioritize oral health. By focusing on preventative care, many of these interventions can be avoided. While there are plenty of advanced techniques, it’s crucial to stick to the basics:

  • Brush your teeth – Make sure to brush after every meal. Take your time to remove all food particles thoroughly.
  • Floss regularly – Flossing removes stubborn food bits from between your teeth and stimulates your gums, reducing your risk of gum disease. I recommend flossing at night after eating.
  • Oil pulling – Have you tried oil pulling? It’s an incredibly effective oral health practice to add to your routine. Learn how to get started with oil pulling today.
  • Visit the dentist – Did you know there are holistic dentists? They blend traditional treatments with natural options and often provide alternatives to harmful procedures like mercury fillings. Never skip your dental checkups!
  • Use essential oils for oral health – Certain essential oils are proven to support oral hygiene. These oils are great for homemade oral products like toothpaste or mouthwash.

By incorporating these basic practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain optimal oral health and reduce the need for costly or harmful interventions.

3 HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN TOOTHPASTE

In my opinion, we should be extra cautious with the oral health products we use since we end up ingesting them. Unfortunately, many store-bought products are filled with toxins. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals commonly found in most tubes of toothpaste:

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a harmful ingredient commonly found in most oral care products. For years, oral health specialists believed fluoride was essential for healthy teeth, but we now know that’s not true. Fluoride is classified as a neurotoxic chemical, and consuming too much of it can lead to fluoride toxicity (3). This can affect tooth coloring, kidney function, and more. If you have young children at home, this is especially concerning! Many store-bought toothpaste brands have kid-friendly flavors that encourage little ones to use more than necessary, increasing the risk of fluoride toxicity.

ASPARTAME

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sugar, so many companies add a sugar substitute called aspartame to improve the taste of toothpaste. Aspartame is often marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, but studies show it can lead to increased food consumption (4). It can also trigger headaches, spiked blood sugar levels, and other side effects (5). In this recipe, we use stevia as a sweetener instead. It tastes better than aspartame, and best of all, it has no harmful side effects!

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

This toxin is responsible for the foamy texture in most toothpastes. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an environmental toxin that can wreak havoc on your body (6). Interestingly, researchers use SLS to intentionally create skin and eye irritations during product testing. SLS can also cause canker sores (7), which is the complete opposite of promoting oral health! It’s one of the worst toxins for your body and should be avoided at all costs.

NATURAL ORAL HEALTH INGREDIENTS

There’s a better way to take care of your teeth, and it starts with using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Essential Oils: Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for toothpaste. They can freshen your breath, fight plaque, and even help with canker sores. Plus, they add a nice scent! Here are some of my favorite combinations:
  • Peppermint: Fights bad breath, smells fresh, and gives you a burst of energy in the morning!
  • Clove and Orange: A soothing blend for sensitive teeth.
  • Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange: Helps with whitening your teeth.
  • Lime, Lemon, and Grapefruit: Great for boosting your mood!
  • Wintergreen: Offers a minty freshness, perfect for tackling stubborn bad breath.
  • Distilled Water: Tap water often contains fluoride, which we want to avoid. It can also have other toxins that contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and birth defects. I recommend using distilled or purified water for the cleanest, safest option.
  • Bentonite Clay: This clay, derived from volcanic ash, helps absorb toxins in the mouth while providing essential minerals that can strengthen your teeth. Bonus: It can also aid in whitening your teeth.
  • Stevia Powder: Stevia is a natural sweetener that helps balance out the taste of bentonite clay. A little goes a long way!
  • Himalayan Pink Salt: Saltwater is often recommended after dental surgery to reduce bacteria (8), and salt is highly effective for combating bad breath. Plus, if you have sensitive teeth, Himalayan salt can help reduce discomfort.

This simple, natural recipe is all you need to promote healthy, toxin-free oral care!

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE RECIPE

This DIY is super easy to make! In just a few minutes, you’ll have everything you need to detox your mouth naturally.

To turn the tooth powder into toothpaste, simply add ¼ cup of hot purified or distilled water and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin, unrefined coconut oil. You can add more coconut oil as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

For added teeth-whitening benefits, open capsules of activated charcoal and mix them into the tooth powder. After using this toothpaste, follow up with mouthwash, and be sure to brush your teeth again after rinsing.

Since bentonite clay can react with metal, it’s important to make and store this recipe in a glass or ceramic container to preserve its effectiveness.

STEP ONE: MIX THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Mix your chosen essential oils in a small glass container or glass measuring cup, then set aside for later use.

STEP TWO: ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

Place the bentonite clay, stevia, and sea salt in a food processor and blend until well combined.

STEP THREE: ADD ESSENTIAL OILS

With the machine running, slowly add the mixed essential oils to the food processor and process for a few more seconds. The mixture should be granular and slightly damp.

STEP FOUR: BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Store the mixture in a glass jar with a lid. To use, apply just enough of the homemade tooth powder or toothpaste to cover your toothbrush. Wet the brush with water and brush as usual.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this all-natural homemade toothpaste and tooth powder is a simple, effective, and toxin-free way to maintain optimal oral health. By using ingredients like bentonite clay, essential oils, and natural sweeteners, you can avoid harmful chemicals found in store-bought products while reaping the benefits of a cleaner, healthier mouth. With just a few easy steps, you can create a product that not only freshens your breath but also supports long-term oral wellness. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your toothpaste, and feel good about giving your family a safer, more natural option for oral care.

7 ESSENTIAL STYLE TIPS FOR MEN OVER 50 BEFORE YOU SHOP

Navigating the world of fashion in your 50s (and beyond!) may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable. While I can’t personally guide every man receiving an AARP membership in the mail, I can offer you this comprehensive guide to dressing for mature men.

If you’re new to my writing, you might be asking yourself: Caroline, as a 29-year-old woman who spends her free time watching Nordic crime dramas and perfecting my homemade macaroni and cheese, what do I know about the style dilemmas faced by men approaching early retirement?

Well, for one, I have a soft spot for well-dressed older gentlemen.

Every man over 50 has unique wardrobe needs that reflect his personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for casual attire, looking for shopping recommendations, or simply wanting to elevate your fashion game, dressing well at this age can be just as exciting and diverse as it is for younger men.

Not sure where to begin? No need to fret! Below, 7 tips on nailing mature style for men:

Get a tailor

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the realm of men’s style, especially for those over 50, agrees on one crucial point: the difference between “a guy wearing clothes” and “a well-dressed man” often comes down to good tailoring.

Building a relationship with a tailor is essential for any mature man looking to elevate his style.

Consider your tailor your clothing’s doctor. Just as you have a dentist for your teeth, an internist for your health, and a dermatologist for those pesky moles, it’s time to have a tailor on speed dial to ensure your wardrobe is in top shape.

Now, I can already hear you thinking: “The clothes I own fit me just fine!”

But let’s be real—no man, and I mean none of you, can wear off-the-rack clothing perfectly.

Sure, you don’t need to have every t-shirt tailored or sweatpants hemmed, but those button-down shirts you wear daily with jeans or chinos? Get the sleeves adjusted to the right length.

And don’t forget about those jeans and chinos! 

What about the blazer you wear for dinner with your spouse each week? Could it use a little adjustment to fit you better?

Think of this process like visiting a doctor. You don’t go in every day for every little issue, but for the significant matters, you want to consult a professional. 

Focus on the finishing touches 

When it comes to presentation, the key differentiator between well-dressed men and those who simply wear clothes is the extra attention to detail. These subtle touches may not be immediately noticeable, but once you see them, they make a significant difference.

This attention to detail extends beyond your clothing to grooming, including a well-maintained beard (and nose hairs!), clean nails and cuticles, and a pleasant scent. Just look at the smart tie and coordinating socks worn by Stanley Tucci—voted the most stylish man of 2023 by Style Girlfriend followers!

Accessories are an excellent way to elevate your style as a man over 50. A beautiful scarf can enhance a simple blue overcoat, while the right shoes can complete your outfit—just as easily as the wrong ones can ruin it.

Investing in accessories is a smart choice for your wardrobe. Timeless pieces, like a classic pair of glasses, will never go out of style, and if you choose quality items built to last, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

I’d like to highlight timepieces: they’re one of the first things I notice on a man. If you wear a watch, I can’t help but notice which one it is.

Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend a fortune on a watch. However, if you can invest in a quality timepiece, it’s often worth it. Even an affordable tank-style Seiko can make you look polished and distinguished.

Invest in forever pieces

By avoiding fleeting trends, you can invest more wisely in your wardrobe. Why? Because when you focus on timeless pieces, you know you’ll wear them for more than just one season.

Instead of purchasing multiple inexpensive shirts and trousers, consider buying one or two high-quality staple items. Then, invest in having those pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. The final step? Embrace the ease and simplicity of cultivating a signature personal style!

Look for brands that prioritize craftsmanship and quality. 

While you may not have the budget to splurge on every item in your closet, you can be strategic about your spending.

Identify the pieces you wear most frequently. If you rarely wear sweaters but often don blazers—think of a post-presidential Barack Obama—prioritize your budget accordingly to reflect your lifestyle.

Lean into a Monochromatic Color Palette

Monochromatic dressing involves combining pieces from the same color family to create a cohesive and polished look. This style not only elongates your body but also gives you a sleek, modern appearance with minimal effort.

Take, for example, the character Steve Martin, 79, plays on Only Murders in the Building. He often sports monochromatic ensembles, like blue jeans paired with a white shirt and a blue knit sweater or overcoat.

For men over 50, these outfits are not only simple to assemble but also effortlessly elevate your style.

You can approach monochromatic dressing in a few different ways. Our favorite at Team SG is the black and blue route—opting for rich, deep blues like navy—or embracing earth tones, such as pairing tan chinos with a chunky oatmeal rollneck sweater.

Aim for leveling up your personal style instead of chasing trends

Here’s a little secret: I often share this advice with my younger clients, but it’s especially true for older gentlemen—dressing for who you are, rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends, makes all the difference.

By midlife, you’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, which makes it easier to identify which cuts and styles flatter you and which colors and textures enhance your personal aesthetic.

Consider what clothing aligns with your lifestyle and which pieces don’t quite fit who you are. 

Think of this guideline not as a limitation, but as a permission slip to bypass fleeting trends. That’s a true luxury! As men age, they naturally become more distinguished—there’s a reason the term “silver fox” is a compliment.

Allyson B. Fanger, the costume designer for Netflix’s (criminally underrated, in my opinion) *Grace and Frankie*, shared that one of the joys of dressing older characters like Robert and Sol—played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, both in their eighties—is that these men have lived rich lives.

The show features two lawyers who leave their wives for each other after their kids have grown up, and their style is spot on.

Robert and Sol don’t need to evolve further in their fashion choices, which makes dressing them all the more enjoyable for Fanger.

They each have favorite brands, signature color palettes, and distinct approaches to style.

Robert is traditional, favoring button-down shirts and chinos—he’s a Brooks Brothers man through and through.

Sol, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a hippie, opting for Cubavera camp shirts and comfortable Tommy Bahama linen pants.

These characters exemplify how, regardless of personal taste or style, it’s entirely possible to achieve top-notch personal fashion at any age.

Ultimately, knowing who you are and being confident in that is the cornerstone of any man’s style, and that understanding becomes more profound as you accumulate life experience.

Adopt a wardrobe uniform

Larry David, at 76, is a big advocate for uniform dressing. While many people think of a daily uniform as a traditional suit and tie, David exemplifies how versatile and liberating this approach can be.

He’s a king of casual style—if you’re searching for casual clothing ideas for men over 50, the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star offers an excellent blueprint.

His go-to wardrobe staples include crewneck sweaters, zip-ups, AG 5-pocket chinos, and soft shoulder blazers. 

If the thought of choosing an outfit every day feels overwhelming, this dressing strategy might be perfect for you. 

Consider building a capsule wardrobe filled with a few pieces you love: your favorite pants, a handful of shirts that make you feel your best, and some knitwear or jackets.

And don’t hesitate to buy items you adore in multiple colors! (This is another trick David uses.)

This way, each morning, you can reach into your closet and confidently know that whatever you pick will likely coordinate beautifully.

Be yourself 

It might sound a bit silly to wrap up a list of style tips with a reminder to just accept yourself, but hear me out. You might think, “My style is just a ripped sports jersey and Crocs,” and to that, I say: maybe it’s time for a change! (Just kidding… or am I?)

What I really mean is don’t overthink dressing for a particular age. These style tips are helpful if you’re unsure where to start or want to elevate your look. But if you already have a signature style or enjoy dressing outside the norm, don’t let the number in front of your age hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and wear it with confidence!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, navigating style in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Embrace the principles of good tailoring, invest in timeless pieces, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is all about confidence and authenticity—wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s a classic blazer or a funky shirt.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with accessories and details that can elevate your look. And most importantly, don’t let age define your fashion choices. Celebrate your individuality and express yourself through your clothing. After all, style is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to redefine your aesthetic!